Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice Professional Recognition Programme
About the programme
Dyslexia Scotland is a national Scottish charity, which aims to inspire and enable people with dyslexia, regardless of age and ability, to reach their potential in education, employment and life. In 2018, Dyslexia Scotland received GTC Scotland’s Professional Learning Awards for Organisations.
We work closely with partners such as the Scottish Government, Education Scotland and GTC Scotland. Significant collaborative resources include the online Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit and a series of online Dyslexia and inclusive practice modules for Scottish teachers.
We were a key partner in a national collaborative working group taking forward the 5 interlinked recommendations of an important 2014 Education Scotland review, ‘Making Sense: Education for children and young people with dyslexia in Scotland’ and in the development of its final report (2020). The rationale for our Dyslexia and inclusive practice PR programme stems from the gap identified in the report of high quality, accessible, Masters-level professional learning on dyslexia and inclusive practice for teachers that is set specifically within the Scottish context.
From 2017-2019, we delivered a GTC Scotland Professional Recognition pilot, run in partnership with GTC Scotland, the Scottish Government and Education Scotland. Ten of the 30 participants applied for Professional Recognition and received their Awards from GTC Scotland in January 2020 by the Deputy First Minister. This programme builds on the learning from that pilot.
The pilot demonstrated that the programme:
- Is a creditable and effective way to deepen Scottish teachers’ knowledge, understanding and practice to support learners
- Meets a need within our educational system, builds capacity and creates a free sustainable route to high-quality professional learning, to increase the number of GTC Scotland registered teachers with dyslexia and inclusive practice professional recognition
Testimonials from pilot participants “I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would like to be involved in any follow up to it. I regularly share what I learnt with pupils, parents and colleagues. I have encouraged teachers and support staff to complete the modules online.”
“ I found the people leading the pilot extremely supportive and the process very rewarding.” “Really appreciated and valued the collegiate aspect and speaking with others who have similar professional interests and impetus.” “[For me the PR Award has meant] recognition for the work done within my whole team and confidence boost to parents on knowing this has been achieved within our authority.’”
Programme structure (The course lasts one year)
- Three Masterclasses (September/October; February/March; May/June). Participants are expected to carry out intersessional study, practitioner enquiry and collaboration with peer learners between each masterclass, as set out below
- Participants’ own study: online Open University Dyslexia and inclusive practice Module 3. When doing the modules, learners are encouraged to use a Reflective Log
- Practitioner enquiry, involving personal reflection as well as collaboration with colleagues and their school community; this is linked to Module 3, on the broad topic of dyslexia and inclusive practice, with individual areas of research to be agreed and explored as part of the programme discussions, taking into account existing research and emerging gaps including the ‘bank’ of evidence and learning from pilot practitioner enquiries
- GLOW Team space for sharing ideas and practice
- One Professional Recognition Reflective Support day
- Submission of Professional Recognition application
Contact
Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland
